Snug Falls is a nice short walk just a little way south of Hobart. I have been in there once before, and was lucky to have a close encounter with a platypus.

Waterfalls Tasmania: Snug Falls

Spring is the Season for Waterfalls in Tasmania

Tasmania is experiencing a very wet and wild spring so far this year and many waterfalls in Tasmania are raging at the moment, so the next few weeks will provide spectacular opportunities for photographing waterfalls and rainforest. One of the closest waterfalls to Hobart is Snug Falls, around 20 minutes drive south of Hobart. There are signposts leading to this family friendly trail and anyone wanting to explore their camera’s manual settings some more, and try and achieve the milky flowing effect of flowing water should check this waterfall out.

Waterfalls Tasmania – Snug Falls

Settings for Photographing Waterfalls

The milky flow effect of waterfalls (and indeed all water subjects) is one of the most visually rewarding aspects of landscape photography, and very easy to achieve. The key is of course, shutter speed. A slow shutter speed (eg a few seconds), especially when the water flow is very fast, is plenty to achieve a silky smooth flow as the water tumbles from the top to the bottom of the fall. Lighting is extremely important for photographing waterfalls. Direct sunlight makes it very difficult because the bright white cascade will be completely burnt out, and your camera simply will not be able to cope with the contrast. While waiting for the right light to appear, work on composing your shot so it is exactly right, or turn your attention to the tiny little details of the forest.

Macro forest detail – Snug Falls

Macro photography is less dependent on right light conditions – in fact I was shooting the above detail as the harsh sunlight made photographing the waterfall impossible. Because your subject is so tiny when undertaking macro photography, even if lighting conditions are not great it is a simple task to shade your subject with your own shadow,  an umbrella or something similar.

Photography Tours and Tuition

I run a series of workshops, but two in particular that include waterfalls. “Mt Field & Styx Valley” (1 full day) and my “Hobart & Surrounds” 1/2 day workshop. Click on the links for full details and contact me to book a spot.